Dublin

Practical Info about Dublin

Getting around the city

Dublin has appalling street congestion in the city centre, but the light rail service known as LUAS (the Gaelic word for 'speed') now offers two lines with numerous stations, many of them giving easy access to the main sights and places of interest. The city also has an extensive bus network with a limited Nitelink service operating from 1:30am, but this is most useful for commuters to and from the city centre. There is also a rapid transit train (DART) that links the city centre with the suburbs and seaside communities. Because most public transport stops before midnight, taxis can be hard to find in the city centre after 11pm, particularly over the weekend. Taxis can be hailed in the street, but it is often easier to find them at taxi ranks or book ahead by telephone. Renting a car can be impractical and expensive, although they can be essential if wanting to explore off the beaten track on excursions from Dublin.

Time

GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin and round three-pin plugs are in use.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change, and ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques, are widely accepted.

Communication

The international access code for Ireland is +353 (do not dial the first zero of the area code). Local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.

Climate

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Dublin has a maritime temperate climate, and less rainfall than the rest of the 'Emerald Isle'. However, winters are still very soggy and showers are common all year round. The wettest month, December, averages three inches (76mm) of rainfall. Summers are cool and pleasant, with temperatures in July peaking at around 68°F (20°C), and the most sunshine in May and June. Winters, apart from being wet, are mild, with the mercury rarely dropping to freezing point. Snow is unlikely, but a few flurries can occur. Dublin, like the rest of Ireland, experiences no temperature extremes. The best time to visit Ireland is in the warm summer months between May and August. February receives the least rainfall on average but it is almost impossible to avoid some rain in Dublin. The off-peak months are significantly cheaper in Ireland, so if you are travelling on a budget it's best to consider visiting in spring, autumn or even winter.

Dublin International Airport

Getting to the city

Several bus services, involving more than 700 buses including Dublin Bus and Flybus, connect the airport to all parts of Dublin and the city's central train station, both day and night, with fares starting at €6.

Car rental

Hertz, Avis, Budget, Murrays Europcar and National Car Rentals all operate from car-hire desks in the Arrivals Concourse. There are also a number of pre-booked car-hire desks on this concourse. These include Argus, Atlas. Dan Dooley, Hamills, Malones, Sixt and Thrifty.

Airport taxi's

Taxis are available in front of the Arrivals Hall; a taxi to the city centre costs about €20, and an extra charge for baggage may be added, as well as a surcharge in the evenings and on weekends. All taxis have meters but they are only used for destinations in the 'Dublin City Taxi Metered Area'. It is wise to negotiate the price with the driver beforehand.

Transfer between terminals

A clearly signed walkway connects the two terminals.

Facilities

Airport facilities include a bureau de change and ATMs, numerous restaurants, pubs and bars, several shops, a church and tourist information.

Parking

There are plenty of parking options at Dublin International Airport, including short and long stay options. The short-term car park is close to the terminal building, while the off-site long-term car park is serviced by a free shuttle service. Long term stays can be pre-booked via the airport website.

Internet

Free wifi is available throughout the airport. There are also internet kiosks around the terminal.